ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

MOMENTS LIKE THIS – Michele Bensen with the Bob Alberti TrioMichele Bensen -- vocalistBob Alberti – pianoLee Burrows – bassChris Russell – drumsBen Tucker – bass (on “Don’t Go to Strangers”)Rarely does one encounter a studio recording that isn’t processed through multi-tracking with the intent of producing a flawless product through electronic debugging. Listeners may become so accustomed to such products that they may have forgotten how purely beautiful a gem can be created with live musicians playing together in naturally synchronized musicality, speaking music directly among themselves with complete understanding of every nuance that occurs among them. Finding such a product offers never-ending and even increased pleasure upon repeated listening. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving.Moments Like This are rare treasures that cannot be manufactured but only captured. It is clear from the opening 16 bars of the title song that a musical love affair was occurring among the musicians. By musicians I mean the quartet because Michele (a former trumpet player) leaves no doubt that she is a true musician whose instrument is her voice. Every song is an adventure into a musical sanctuary with Michele as preacher and the trio as her “amen corner.” If you are a sophisticated listener, you will find yourself smiling numerous times during every rendition from the subtle and ingenious interplay of the spontaneous performances. If you are a music lover of good taste only, you will add this to your playlist favorites. If you are a romantic, you will find yourself falling in love again or remembering how it felt to be in love. If your heart has ever been broken, these songs will remind you that it was worth it.The choice of songs is tailor-made for gourmet audiophiles. The menu of 13 tasty selections by masterful composers and lyricists is so delicious in its own right that it only requires a classy serving staff to present it with love and respect for the storylines, harmonies, rhythms and emotional palette each song was composed to convey. If you have never tasted the fare of a 5-star restaurant, you will surely be licking your chops as you sample each item on this menu.I could write a full page of accolades about each tune but would rather leave that to you, the listener to discover on your own. I’ll simply say that having listened at least 8 times so far, I discover new delights with every hearing. This CD will stay in my car so I won’t mind traffic congestion ever again.Instead I will offer some impressions of the musicians. With this long-awaited offering Michele Bensen leaves no doubt that she ranks as one of the best vocalists of modern American music. Her voice is at once clear, warm, and sensitive to her accompanists and material, as she caresses each phrase to highlight the intrinsic beauty of the music packaged in her unique, subtly stylistic delivery. Her graceful nuances are perfectly in sync with the entire musical landscape provided by her colleagues. Billy Eckstine told me on many occasions that the jazz insiders judge singers by the way they sing Lush Life. He related how irritated Billy Strayhorn would become, when a particular note (C natural in the second phrase of the main chorus) was not acknowledged on several famous recordings by major artists, but he was very happy when it was respected and sung where he placed it. Michele passed this test with flying colors on her rendering, which in itself will gain her much respect among major league vocalists.Bob Alberti, has musical magic in his fingers that is impressively evident in his piano introductions and accompaniments that consistently engage in conversation with Michele musically and rhythmically. He is also a harmonic genius who can say volumes with one chord or a melodic motif in a split second. You might detect that he inserts a blues bent into his solos where you would never expect it. I almost fell on the floor when he inserted a phrase from “Stardust” in the last 3 beats of the second bridge of “Too LateNow.”Lee Burrows is a bassist who seems to psychically anticipate Bob’s ever fresh and innovative chord progressions with just the right choice of notes and direction of movement. His presence blends so well with Bob and Bob’s understanding of harmonic roots is so stylistically synchronous with Lee’s that one must listen carefully to realize that at times Michele and Bob are performing in duo format, yet when Lee joins them the transition is barely noticeable. Lee’s bass solos further display his total sense of melody, harmony and swing.Chris Russell fully realizes his role as percussionist in such a quartet. He stirs the stew just enough to create almost unobtrusive waves of energy that will make you move your head or pat your foot without any distraction from the other players. When it comes time to swing, Chris has the finesse of a Jo Jones, who laid down the laws of swing for all drummers.Ben Tucker, well known as a bass players’ bassist, appears only on Track 6, “Don’t Go to Strangers.” Here he shows his appreciation and respect for Michele’s artistry as he blends seamlessly and tastefully with Bob’s musical portraiture of this classic and poignant ballad.Without saying anything further to spoil your adventure through this wonderland of beautifully performed music, I leave it to the listener to enjoy what I can only describe in a few words as “ear candy” or in a single word “masterpiece.”Written by; Nelson E. Harrison, Ph.D, composer, lyricist, arranger, veteran trombonist of the Count Basie Orchestra.

I was waiting for Moments Like This for a long time. It is a beautiful CD. The songs she chose and Michele's interpretation of them are superb. Along with her marvelous voice, her group plays great jazz accompaniment with feeling for the song and the singer. I've listened and enjoyed Michele for many years...she is a Pittsburgh (and national ) great. She can sing anything superbly - from the most sensitive love songs to great renditions of real blues.